The clinician will discuss practical strategies for jazz ensemble directors to integrate musicianship-building exercises into daily rehearsals through existing repertoire. Based on common observations among collegiate jazz educators, the session addresses gaps among incoming students, including limited experience with improvisation, sight-reading, and stylistic performance of standard repertoire.
Attendees will learn how to develop rhythm, improvisation, and ear training exercises directly from their performance set. Guided video examples from a university ensemble’s semester-long rehearsal process illustrate the progression from concept to performance, with portions of the score shown alongside the video to highlight how each exercise was derived. Repertoire includes “Haitian Fight Song,” “Afternoon” (arr. Bob Curnow), and “Lil’ Darlin’.” These videos demonstrate how the “hear, sing, play” approach can strengthen both individual musicianship and overall ensemble cohesion.
Target Audience
Jazz ensemble directors, music educators, music education students
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Molly Redfield
Dr. Molly Redfield is an Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Folsom Lake College. She also serves as Lecturer of Bass at Sacramento State University and previously held a position as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at LSU. She holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in string bass performance and a Master of Music in jazz studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Jazz Studies from California State University, Sacramento.
Dr. Redfield was the invited guest conductor for the 2026 New York State All-State Jazz Band, 2026 NCBA All-Northern California Honor Jazz Ensemble, 2026 Montana All-State Jazz Ensemble, 2024 Louisiana District VII Honor Jazz Band, and the 2023 Montana All-State Jazz Ensemble.
As a scholar, she has presented at the JEN Conference, NAfME Northwest Division Conference, LMEA In-Service, and Capitol Section CMEA In-Service.